Coursework

Coursework assignments

Coursework includes any assessed work outside the main exam periods. This includes essays, dissertations, projects, presentations, artefacts, lab or studio tasks, and phase tests organised by your course.

Research ethics

If you plan to do research as part of your coursework, you must get ethical approval before conducting any research. All research proposals must go through the University’s Ethical Approval process. Submit your research proposal through the University’s online application and approval system. Check your course handbook for specific requirements.

Submitting coursework

Always submit written coursework via Aula to Turnitin, which checks for originality and helps identify any other issues with work submitted.

Word limits

Stick to the word limit. Your tutor will confirm if the word count is part of the assessment, and you may be marked down if you don’t stay within the limits specified in the assignment brief.

Deadlines

Make sure you know when your work is due, and meet all your coursework deadlines. If you submit late without approved extenuating circumstances, you will receive an AB (Absent) mark for that work. The University provides a 24-hour ‘grace period’ to accommodate any last-minute technical issues you may encounter; work submitted after expiry of that 24-hour period will not be marked.

Delayed submission deadlines

If unexpected problems arise before your assessment deadline, you can apply for a delayed submission deadline through the Extenuating Circumstances portal. You must provide third party supporting evidence which demonstrates that this situation was unexpected and outside of your control. You may apply for a single extension of 5 working days, or for your assessment to be deferred until the next submission opportunity.

Extensions and deferrals are only for genuinely unforseen situations - not for poor time management, IT issues, family events etc. Note that deferral of assessment is not an appropriate means of managing a long term medical problem or domestic situation, and if you ask for multiple deferrals you may be advised to withdraw from study until you’re in a position to give it the time it requires.

Once your request is reviewed, if it is accepted, you will be given a new date to complete and submit your work. If your request is rejected, you may be able to appeal the decision - read the section on appeals.

Moderation and feedback

We will assess your work and provide feedback on its strengths and weaknesses. All marked coursework may be internally moderated and a sample of students’ work will be reviewed by external examiners from other universities to ensure our high standards are maintained.

The feedback you receive is an essential element of the learning process, and using it to inform your next assignment is one of the most effective ways of improving your marks and achieving the best possible outcome from your studies.